The Appalachian Teaching Project (ATP) engages students and regional citizens in posing
answers to the question, "How can we build a sustainable future for Appalachian communities?" The project teaches students and communities about the work of the Appalachian Regional
Commission (ARC), its state and local partners, and the goals of the Commission's
strategic plan.

The first project was held in the fall of 2001 and emerged from a number of meetings
of members of the Consortium of Appalachian Centers with the Appalachian Regional
Commission staff. These meetings resulted in a grant that supported pilot efforts
to involve students and faculty in a regional teaching collaboration, the ATP.

The Consortium of Appalachian Centers is currently composed of sixteen (16) colleges,
universities, and community colleges from the Appalachian region that are dedicated
to working more closely together in service to the Appalachian region to improve the
quality of life for its residents.